Wire clip device

ABSTRACT

A wire clip that allows fencing wire to move length wise and still be attached to a T-post so fencing wire can be stretched while being attached to the T-posts. These wire clips are configured to facilitate fixing fences, for example, after a severe snow storm that causes broken and loose fencing wire. The wire clip is configured to prevent the removal thereof off the T-posts in order to stretch fencing wire tight again. The wire clips provide an effective and efficience mechanism for fixing fencing wire. The wire clips are also configured to resist and/or prevent breakage from rust caused by original clips where they wrap around the fencing wire.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fence. More particularly, it relates to stretching and fixing fence wire of the fence.

BACKGROUND

A fence is a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is usually constructed from posts that are connected by boards, wire, rails or netting.

Barbed wire, also known as barb wire, is a type of steel fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strands. It is used to construct inexpensive fences and is used atop walls surrounding secured property.

Barbed wire was the first wire technology capable of restraining cattle. Wire fences are cheaper and easier to erect than their alternatives. When wire fences became widely available in the United States in the late 19th century, it became more affordable to fence much larger areas than before, and intensive animal husbandry was made practical on a much larger scale.

Materials include: Zinc-coated steel-wire. Galvanized steel-wire is the most widely steel wire during barbed wire production. It has commercial type, Class 1 type and Class 3 type. Or it is also well known as electric galvanized steel wire and hot dipped galvanized steel wire. Zinc-aluminum alloy coated steel wire. Barbed wire is available with zinc, 5% or 10% aluminum alloy and mischmetal steel wire, which is also known as Galfan wire. Polymer-coated steel wire. Zinc steel wire or zinc-aluminum steel wire with PVC, PE or other organic polymer coating. Stainless steel wire. It is available with SAE 304, 316 and other materials.

Strand structure are either single strand—simple and light duty structure with single line wire (also known as strand wire) and barbs or double strand—conventional structure with double strand wire (line wire) and barbs.

Barb structure is either single barb also known as 2-point barbed wire—it uses single barb wire twisted on the line wire (strand wire) or double barb—also known as 4-point barbed wire, two barb wires twisted on the line wire (strand wire).

Twist type is either conventional twist—the strand wire (line wire) are twisted in single direction, also known as traditional twist or reverse twist—the strand wire (line wire) are twisted in opposite direction.

The most important and most time-consuming part of a barbed wire fence is constructing the corner post and the bracing assembly. A barbed wire fence is under tremendous tension, often up to half a ton, and so the corner post's sole function is to resist the tension of the fence spans connected to it. The bracing keeps the corner post vertical and prevents slack from developing in the fence.

Brace posts are placed in-line about 2.5 meters (8 ft) from the corner post. A horizontal compression brace connects the top of the two posts, and a diagonal wire connects the top of the brace post to the bottom of the corner post. This diagonal wire prevents the brace post from leaning, which in turn allows the horizontal brace to prevent the corner post from leaning into the brace post. A second set of brace posts (forming a double brace) is used whenever the barbed wire span exceeds 60 meters (200 ft).

When the barbed wire span exceeds 200 m (650 ft), a braced line assembly is added in-line. This has the function of a corner post and brace assembly but handles tension from opposite sides. It uses diagonal brace wire that connects the tops to the bottoms of all adjacent posts.

Line posts are installed along the span of the fence at intervals of 2.5 to 15 m (8 to 50 ft). An interval of 5 m (16 ft) is most common. Heavy livestock and crowded pasture demands the smaller spacing. The sole function of a line post is not to take up slack but to keep the barbed wire strands spaced equally and off the ground.

Once these posts and bracing have been erected, the wire is wrapped around one corner post, held with a hitch (a timber hitch works well for this) often using a staple to hold the height and then reeled out along the span of the fence replacing the roll every 400 m. It is then wrapped around the opposite corner post, pulled tightly with wire stretchers, and sometimes nailed with more fence staples, although this may make readjustment of tension or replacement of the wire more difficult. Then it is attached to all of the line posts with fencing staples driven in partially to allow stretching of the wire.

There are several ways to anchor the wire to a corner post: Hand-knotting—the wire is wrapped around the corner post and knotted by hand. This is the most common method of attaching wire to a corner post. A timber hitch works well as it stays better with wire than with rope. Crimp sleeves—the wire is wrapped around the corner post and bound to the incoming wire using metal sleeves which are using lock cutters. This method should be avoided because while sleeves can work well on repairs in the middle of the fence where there is not enough wire for hand knotting, they tend to slip when under tension. Wire vise—the wire is passed through a hole drilled into the corner post and is anchored on the far side. Wire wrap—the wire is wrapped around the corner post and wrapped onto a special, gritted helical wire which also wraps around the incoming wire, with friction holding it in place.

Barbed wire for agriculture use is typically double-strand 12+½-gauge, zinc-coated (galvanized) steel and comes in rolls of 400 m (1,320 ft) length. Barbed wire is usually placed on the inner (pasture) side of the posts. Where a fence runs between two pastures livestock could be with the wire on the outside or on both sides of the fence.

Galvanized wire is classified into three categories; Classes I, II, and III. Class I has the thinnest coating and the shortest life expectancy. A wire with Class I coating will start showing general rusting in 8 to 10 years, while the same wire with Class III coating will show rust in 15 to 20 years. Aluminum-coated wire is occasionally used, and yields a longer life.

Corner posts are 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 in) in diameter or larger, and a minimum 2.5 meters (8 ft) in length may consist of treated wood or from durable on-site trees such as Osage orange, black locust, red cedar, or red mulberry, also railroad ties, telephone, and power poles are salvaged to be used as corner posts (poles and railroad ties were often treated with chemicals determined to be an environmental hazard and cannot be reused in some jurisdictions). In Canada spruce posts are sold for this purpose. Posts are 10 centimeters (4 in) in diameter driven at least 1.2 meters (4 ft) and may be anchored in a concrete base 51 centimeters (20 in) square and 110 centimeters (42 in) deep. Iron posts, if used, are a minimum 64 millimeters (2.5 in) in diameter. Bracing wire is typically smooth 9-gauge. Line posts are set to a depth of about 76 centimeters (30 in). Conversely, steel posts are not as stiff as wood, and wires are fastened with slips along fixed teeth, which means variations in driving height affect wire spacing.

Barbed wire fences use include agriculture. For agriculture, barbed wire fences remain the standard fencing technology for enclosing cattle in most regions of the United States, but not all countries. The wire is aligned under tension between heavy, braced, fence posts (strainer posts) and then held at the correct height by being attached to wooden or steel fence posts, and/or with battens in between.

The gaps between posts vary depending on type and terrain. On short fences in hilly country, steel posts may be placed every 3 meters (3 yd), while in flat terrain with long spans and relatively few stock they may be spaced up to 30 to 50 meters (33 to 55 yd) apart. Wooden posts are normally spaced at 10 meters (11 yd) on all terrain, with 4 or 5 battens in between. However, many farmers place posts 2 meters (2 yd) apart as battens can bend, causing wires to close in on one another.

Barbed wire for agricultural fencing is typically available in two varieties: soft or mild-steel wire and high-tensile. Both types are galvanized for longevity. High-tensile wire is made with thinner but higher-strength steel. Its greater strength makes fences longer lasting because it resists stretching and loosening better, coping with expansion and contraction caused by heat and animal pressure by stretching and relaxing within wider elastic limits. It also supports longer spans, but because of its elastic (springy) nature, it is harder to handle and somewhat dangerous for inexperienced fencers. Soft wire is much easier to work but is less durable and only suitable for short spans such as repairs and gates, where it is less likely to tangle.

In high soil-fertility areas where dairy cattle are used in great numbers, 5- or 7-wire fences are common as the main boundary and internal dividing fences. On sheep farms 7-wire fences are common with the second (from bottom) to fifth wire being plain wire. In New Zealand wire fences must provide passage for dogs since they are the main means of controlling and driving animals on farms.

A typical repair to barbed wire fencing includes removing all wire clips off the T-Posts allowing the wire to be stretched so the wires become tight again. This is very time consuming and ineffective.

Accordingly, and in light of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a device that can reduce the time and effort involved in repairing barbed wired fences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wire clip 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wire clip 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the wire clip 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the wire clip 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the wire clip 10 in use according to an embodiment of this disclosure; and,

FIG. 5 b is a perspective view of the wire clip 10 in use according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

-   10 wire clip -   12 wire -   14 first end -   16 second end -   20 first hook portion -   22 connection portion -   24 first leg -   26 second leg -   30 second hook portion -   100 T-post 102 fencing wire

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of a wire clip 10 that allows fencing wire 102 to move length wise and still be attached to a T-post 100 so fencing wire 102 can be stretched while being attached to the T-posts 100. These wire clips 10 are configured to facilitate fixing fences, for example, after a severe snow storm that causes broken and loose fencing wire 102. The wire clip 10 is configured to prevent the removal thereof off the T-posts 100 in order to stretch fencing wire 102 tight again. The wire clips 10 provide an effective and efficience mechanism for fixing fencing wire 102. The wire clips 10 are also configured to resist and/or prevent breakage from rust caused by original clips where they wrap around the fencing wire 102.

Skilled artisans will appreciate additional embodiments and uses of the present invention that extend beyond the examples of this disclosure. Terms included by any claim that may be presented in any yet-to-be-filed non-provisional patent application are to be interpreted as defined within this disclosure. Singular forms should be read to contemplate and disclose plural alternatives. Similarly, plural forms should be read to contemplate and disclose singular alternatives. Conjunctions should be read as inclusive except where stated otherwise.

Expressions such as “at least one (1) of A, B, and C” should be read to permit any of A, B, or C singularly or in combination with the remaining elements. Additionally, such groups may include multiple instances of one or more element in that group, which may be included with other elements of the group. All numbers, measurements, and values are given as approximations unless expressly stated otherwise.

Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail, without limitation. Skilled readers should not view the inclusion of any alternative labels as limiting in any way. Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 b, an illustrative wire clip 10 will now be discussed in more detail.

Each wire clip 10 includes a wire 12 and extends between a first end 14 and a second end 16. In some embodiments, the wire 12 is No. 12 galvanized wire. The first end 14 is configured to form a first hook portion 20, as shown in FIG. 1 . The first hook portion 20 is configured to engage a portion of a T-post 100 as shown in FIG. 5 b . The first end 14 is configured to form a connection portion 22, as shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the first hook portion 20 is spherical. In some embodiments, the first hook portion 20 may include various shapes, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, and/or tapered.

The connection portion 22 includes a first leg 24 and a second leg 26. The connection portion 22 is configured to snap-fit over a fencing wire 102 attached to a T-post 100, as shown in FIG. 5 b . The connection portion 22 is configured to allow fencing wire 102 to translate length wise relative to the T-post 100 and still be attached to the T-post so the fencing wire 102 can be stretched while being attached to the T-post 100.

The second end 16 is configured to form a second hook portion 30, as shown in FIG. 1 . A portion of the wire 12 is configured to wrap around T-post 100 and second hook portion 30 engages a portion of T-post 100, as shown in FIG. 5 b.

In operation, the user grasps the connection portion 22 between their thumb and finger. The connection portion 22 is placed on the fencing wire 102 so the first leg 24 is on the opposite side of the fencing wire 102 from the second leg 26. The wire clip 10 is then twisted clockwise so both the first and second legs 24, 26 go under the fencing wire 102. The wire clip 10 is continued to be twisted until the wire clip 10 snaps onto the fencing wire 102. At this point the connection portion 22 should be around the fencing wire 102. The fencing wire 102 is then aligned to a desired position on the T-post 100. The first hook portion 20 is engaged with an edge of the T-post 100. The user pulls on the second leg 26 of the wire 12 such that the connection portion 22 ends close and wraps the wire clip 10 around the T-post 100 as far as the wire clip 10 will allow.

The wire clip 10 attaches fencing wire 102 to a steel T-post 100 without binding the fencing wire 102 to the T-post 100. This will allow the fencing wire 102 to move freely so it can be stretched from extended distances. This will help to eliminate fencing wire 102 breakage at multiple T-posts 100. In some embodiments, the wire clip 10 facilitates installation.

While various aspects of the present invention have been described in the above disclosure, the description of this disclosure is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the scope of the claims of a corresponding nonprovisional utility patent application and not the illustrations and examples provided in the above disclosure. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional aspects of the invention, which may be realized in alternative embodiments, after having the benefit of the above disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the scope of the claims of a corresponding nonprovisional utility patent application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wire clip device for facilitating fixing fencing wire, the device comprising: a wire, the wire having a first end and a second end; the first end configured to form a first hook portion, a connection point, the connection point having a first leg and a second leg, wherein the connection point is configure to snap-fir over a fencing wire attached to a T-post, wherein the connection point is configured to allow the fencing wire to translate length wise relative to the T-post while still be attached to the T-post and thus allowing the fencing wire to be stretched; and the second end configured to form a second hook portion, wherein the second hook portion engages a portion of the T-post.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wire being No. 12 galvanized wire.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first hook portion is a spherical shape.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first hook portion is a non-uniform shape.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first hook portion is an oval shape.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first hook portion is a polygonal shape.
 7. The method for installing a wire clip device to facilitate stretch a fencing wire, the method comprising: grasping a connection point of a wire between their thumb and finger; placing the connection point on the fencing wire on a side opposite of the fencing wire from a second leg of the wire clip; twisting the wire clockwise such that both a first leg and a second leg of the wire clip device being around the fencing wire; aligning the fencing wire to a desired position on a T-post; engaging a first hook portion of the wire with an edge of the T-post; and pulling on a second leg of the wire such that the connection point ends close and wraps the wire clip around the T-post as far as allowed by the wire clip.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the wire being No. 12 galvanized wire.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first hook portion is a spherical shape.
 10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first hook portion is a non-uniform shape.
 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first hook portion is an oval shape.
 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first hook portion is a polygonal shape. 